The work she will create for M&S will be used as part of the firm’s Best of British collection. A limited run of her designs will be sold online and at the retailer’s Marble Arch store in 2015.

Ms Folkes, who lives in Lower Parliament Street, said she was ecstatic when she found out she had been picked. “It didn’t hit me straight away, I was just so overwhelmed,” she said. “The fact that they actually appreciated my work was incredible.

“I think what they do is very clever, it’s all about bringing British manufacturing, British fabric and British heritage back into fashion.”

Ms Folkes, who is originally from Birmingham, was attracted to Nottingham Trent for its reputation for art and design. She said creating clothes was what she had always wanted to do.

Ms Folkes added: “I just love fashion, looking for new styles. I am such a creative person and always have lots of different ideas.

“It’s the career I always wanted to go into, I’ve never wanted to do anything else.”

Tony O’Connor, head of design for menswear at Marks & Spencer, said Ms Folkes had shown a great awareness of their style and some real talent. He said: “When judging the competition, Chanel’s design, focus and creativity really stood out.

“She showed an incredible enthusiasm for fashion, a strong commercial awareness and had a really good understanding of our brand.

“Over summer she will have the chance to see her work go from sketch to finished garment stage and then on sale in store next year.”

Trent’s fashion students have over the past few months been head-hunted by some of the biggest labels in the country, with George at Asda and Ted Baker expressing interest.

Gilly Staples, principal lecturer in fashion design, said she was delighted by Ms Folke’s achievements.

“I’m really pleased for Chanel,” she said.

“Her success reflects the importance our courses place on combining creativity with commerciality.

“This ensures our students are very employable which is recognised by industry.”

Do you or someone you know have a special talent? Email newsdesk@nottinghampost.com